Characterizing Cognitive Decline in Late Life Depression: The ADNI Depression Project

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA · May 4, 2015

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The ADNI Depression Project is a research study aimed at understanding how late-life depression (LLD) affects thinking and memory. Researchers want to learn more about why some older adults with depression experience faster declines in their cognitive abilities. This study, which started in 2015, will involve about 120 participants, some of whom were part of the original study, and will also include new participants over the next 30 months. They will compare these individuals with around 300 people who do not have depression.

To be eligible for the study, participants should have previously taken part in related research studies. They can be on stable antidepressants or have completed therapy sessions before joining, but those taking cognitive-enhancing medications can also participate. During the study, participants will undergo several assessments, including brain scans and blood tests to gather important health information. This research can help improve our understanding of how depression impacts the brain in older adults and may lead to better treatments in the future.

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Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Individual participated in original Characterizing Cognitive Decline in Late Life Depression study or Multimodal MRI Characteristics of Psychotherapy Response in Late Life Depression Study.
• Exclusion Exceptions:
• • 1. Antidepressant medication treatment is allowed only if the medication dose is stable for 4 weeks prior to the MRI scan.
• • 2. Psychotherapy interventions is allowed only if they have completed at least 4 weeks of individual or group psychotherapy intervention prior to the MRI scan.
• • 3. Participants taking cognitive enhancing medications will be able to enter the study.